Mossley inevitably proved too strong for North West Counties League underdogs Irlam to win through to a place in the Final of the Robinsons Brewery Manchester FA Premier Cup at Seel Park on Tuesday evening.

The Lilywhites got off to the start they wanted when they took the lead in only the 3rd minute.

Mossley won a left wing corner taken by Tom Pratt, when the cross came over Mike Fish climbed higher than Irlam keeper Jake Aldred to loop home a close range header.

The goal should then have been the catalyst for a Mossley upsurge but that wasn’t the case as they took their foot off the gas and struggled to make further inroads against the determined minnows who gradually found their feet through the rest of the first half.

In fact the visitors came close to equalising late in the half when they created two good chances, the first of which saw Mossley keeper Andy Farrimond acrobatically tip Connor Martin’s powerful 20 yard drive just over the bar.

Mossley began the second half with a changed shape and in more determined mood and doubled their lead six minutes in.

Irlam failed to fully clear a set piece and Andy Keogh’s shot from outside the box was deflected home by centre back Tom Dean.

Dean was making his first appearance for several weeks replacing flu victim Josh Granite.

There was little chance of an Irlam comeback after that and despite the visitors high work rate they lacked the quality in the final third to overly trouble the Mossley rearguard.

The game was finally put well out of Irlam’s reach in the later stages.
In the 88th minute Tom Pratt neatly set up Mike Fish who flashed a powerful first time effort beyond Aldred from 20 yards.

Then in the third and last minute of stoppage time John Bennett’s off target shot was turned home by Tom Pratt from close range to give the score-line a slightly flattering look.

Mossley will now face neighbours and old rivals Curzon Ashton in the County FA’s showpiece final later in the season.

Wiz

Smiffy's pics

Mike Fish celebrates his second goal